Basements can be a fantastic place for extra storage in the home, but you may need to take additional steps to protect your home, depending on the type of basement you have. Edmonton Basement Development can help you assess your basement and give you some recommendations on the work that should be done.
Basements are often susceptible to break-ins and flooding, so there are a few things that you can do to make sure that you have all of your bases covered.
Here are some handy tips to keep your basement protected, and even more so if you have basement windows.
Lighting
Focusing on any entry points you have to your basement, one of the things that will deter many criminals is having a lot of lighting. You can choose to have a steady light through the evening or motion sensor lighting.
The light coming on can often mean that any would-be criminals will think again and leave the premises.
It is worth considering a complete set of outdoor security lighting that covers all entry points to your home.
Locks
Not all basement windows were fitted with locks when they were first installed; if you have a basement window that is easy to pull or slide open, then it is worth adding locks or changing the style of the window to make sure that it is lockable from the inside.
Locks are relatively inexpensive and certainly worth investing in.
Waterproofing
Basements are the prime spot for flooding, but there are several things that you can do to make sure your basement is well protected.
Basements are built below grade, so you might notice that they often have damp walls or even small puddles. When the rain really kicks in, they can often flood. Basement waterproofing is a must to protect the foundations of your home and anything that you store in there.
It is vital that you take the time to find the source of any water that does come into the basement. Keeping in mind that concrete is usually porous, it can be easy to spot where the water is coming in.
Hydraulic cement is your best friend when it comes to filling in cracks in the basement. This cement will expand and set quickly, and is easy to press into cracks even if you aren’t great with DIY.
It is also important to check around the windows to see if there are any cracks, leaks or if the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
It might be surprising, but bad gutters can be one of the most significant issues when it comes to basement flooding. Overflowing gutters can misdirect the water and cause it to land somewhere that is detrimental to your basement.
Another place to look is how the soil or ground around your basement is angled. Stack soil so that it helps the water run away from the basement rather than sit next to it. As little as a 5% slope will help water run away from the basement.
Reinforced glass
The harder the glass is to break, the more difficult it is to break in. If your basement window still only has a single pane, this isn’t enough to deter most break-ins. Double glazing can be the first thing to add, followed by some window film.
Many window films offer an added layer of protection that is more resistant to being broken. But more than that, if the window is shattered by a person or anything else, the film holds the glass in place.
Since the glass is held in place, it makes it more difficult to get into. If the glass was broken by accident, it also prevents any further damage since the shattered glass won’t fall onto the floor.
The window film can come pre-measured, or you might get a roll. If you purchase a roll, you can cut the piece to size. And, it can be used on other windows around the home.
Often the security window film is clear – so there is no way to know it has been added until something happens.
Cameras
When we place home security systems, we often focus on the back and front door. These are usually where we will see people coming and going. We often don’t consider the basement window or other areas around the home.
While having a single camera for the doorbell is becoming more common, it isn’t as robust as a security system as most people really need.
Making sure that your outdoor cameras are visible will usually stop most criminals from making an attempt on the home. But you should also have some in the less visible parts of your home too.
Dehumidifier
If your basement seems to be damp no matter what you do, it can be worthwhile to consider a dehumidifier. This will depend on where the moisture is coming from and the basement style that you have.
Any humidity or dampness will cause mildew and mold pretty quickly, and it will continue to spread.
It is worth keeping in mind that often the cost of running the humidifier isn’t as practical as saving the cash and having a professional inspect the basement.
Baking Soda
A simple trick to help absorb some of the moisture while you decide on the most appropriate solution for protecting your basement from water. Baking soda works similar to a dehumidifier and will soak up any moisture in the air.
You can have it in plastic bags, next to anywhere that seems to be particularly damp. Change the baking soda out every few weeks.
The basement can be an often forgotten part of the home, and because of this, it can be the likely spot for break-ins or severe damage due to flooding and water damage. Take some time to make sure your basement is protected.
There are so many options when it comes to home security that it can be challenging to find the right choices for you and your family. Which system supplier has the most options? Are there any smart home security systems that are worth investing in? It is one of the most significant decisions you can make, and here is a great post covering some of the best options: Our Picks for Best Home Security of 2021.
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